$4000 to spend on a SS power amp - help me choose

I would not classify the Parasound JC1 as warm and "tubelike." And I have listened to it extensively in a friend's system. It is not cool and analytical either. It is about as neutral as you can get.

Given your requirement for tube-like warmth, I'd say the Rowland is probably the front-runner from your list. Timo's characterization of the JC-1 fits my experience as a dealer for that amp, so much as I like it, I don't think it would best meet your stated needs.

Other "warm sounding" high performance solid-state amps include Accuphase, Warner Imaging, and GamuT (I've owned all three, and sell the latter).

Best of luck with your amplifier quest!

Duke

Sjhall,
the McIntosh MC402 has exactly this tube-near sound, while it is capable of delivering more than 100 amperes peak current.

Since when is the Rowland M201 'warm sounding'? Maybe his older amps were but not this one - it's neutral.
Bill

if you want tube-like, get tubes. no ss is truly tube-like in my opinion. and yes, i've owned rowland